Page 62 of Fragile

Not able to draw my attention from her, she begins her class.

“I missed you all!” she coos, her smile warm. “So today, we have my favorite family cookie recipe to make. Who’s ready?”

“Who is that?” a little girl with black curly hair asks, nestled next to a lady who I assume is her mom.

Quinn’s eyes track me. “Natalia, this is Miles. He’s my…friend. In fact, he is one of my best friends,” she says proudly, and suddenly I want to hear her say that I’m more than her friend. “He’s helping me today just like your mom is helping you.”

She carries on, showing everyone how to measure flour correctly. How to make sure you don’t overmix the batter, how soft the butter should be to combine with the sugar, all notes I remember my mom explaining to us in my kitchen. I can see the transformation in the faces around her—the initial nervousness giving way to excitement and pride as they realize they can do this. Quinn has a way of making everyone feel capable and important. It's one of the things I love most about her.

I stand at the edge of the table, content to watch her. Her red hair is tied back with a white bow today, a few stray strandsescaping to frame her face, and her eyes are shining. She’s beautiful.

When she glances my way, her eyes lock onto mine. She smiles a radiant smile that makes my heart skip a beat. “Miles, come over here,” she calls, waving me closer. “I could use your help.” I hesitate for a moment, but the warmth in her eyes draws me in. As I step forward, she hands me a mixing bowl. “We’re about to mix the dry and wet ingredients,” she says, her hand briefly brushing mine. The simple touch sends a spark through me.

“Okay,” I hesitate. “Are you sure I’m the one who should do this?”

“Hmm…” She taps her lip. “Maybe you’re right, you did almost burn down your dorm that one time.”

“Oh, stop it. Am I ever going to live that down?” I chuckle.

“Probably not. But you’ve got me to help you, so all you have to do is pour this,” she says, nudging the bowl already in my hands, “with this.” She points to the mixer in front of us.

“So, I really can’t mess it up?”

“You really can’t. Look…” She points to the class full of whirring mixers and smiling people. “Not everyone here is a pro baker; they just want to have fun.”

I realize that Quinn isn’t just teaching us how to bake. She’s creating a sense of community, a safe space where everyone can contribute and feel valued. Something she’s so damn good at.

Half an hour later, we’re devouring an entire tray of cookies. She nailed the recipe, because I’m instantly transported back to being a kid as soon as the buttery goodness hits my tongue.

“Good, right?”

“So good,” I groan through a mouthful. Quinn’s chuckle skates over my skin and grips a hold of something in my chest. “Thank you for today, I really mean it. I had a great time.”

The smile she gives me almost knocks me on my ass, but it’s her words that make me come alive. “I’m just trying to help you find some joy again, Miles. That’s all.”

“Maybe you already have.”

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I pull her body to me so I can claim her mouth like I’ve wanted to all day. She tastes like chocolate and cinnamon and everything about her feels like home.

Chapter twenty-nine

Miles

“Rise and shine!” Thevoice booming into my dark room is far too full of joy to be anyone else but Quinn. I know this because there have been many times she’s managed to drag my ass out of bed over the years. And I have so much regret, giving her my spare keycard.

Rolling over, I pull the covers high over my head. “Five more minutes,” I groan.

“Miles, you and I have places to be. Get your lazy butt out of that bed.”

“Queenie.” I pout, pulling back the cover to glance at her through a squinted eye. “Come putyourassinmy bed.”

Her head shakes vehemently. “No can do. It’s Thanksgiving week, and we are volunteering at the food bank in town.”

“We are?”

She nods, pushing back a strand of hair behind her ear, then adjusting her bow at the back of her ponytail. “It’s in your calendar.”

“But what if I tell you I’ve pulled a hamstring and can’t walk?”

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